HR Lead

ZF Friedrichshafen AG; Darlaston; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive company in Darlaston is seeking an HR Lead to manage HR activities in a dynamic environment. This role is hands-on, requiring strong people management and communication skills. Responsibilities include overseeing HR processes, enhancing employee relations, and ensuring compliance with legislation. The ideal candidate will have proven industry experience and a commitment to continuous improvement. This position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including pension contributions and health programs.

Benefits

Compensation up to £55k annually

Pension contributions

Health Cashplan

Life Assurance cover

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of HR processes, procedures, and employment law.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure service delivery of fundamental HR processes.
• Act as the primary HR contact for employees.
• Supervise HR Apprentice and Training Officer.

Skills

Experience in manufacturing or industrial environment

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation skills

Conflict resolution skills

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Are you ready to make an impact? ZF is looking for talented individuals to join our team. As a FutureStarter, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of mobility. Join us and be part of something extraordinary!

Country/Region: GB

Location: Darlaston, GB

Req ID 82185|Darlaston, United Kingdom,ZF Lemforder UK Limited

We offer a 12-month fixed-term opportunity to contribute to an exciting project/team.

About the Team:

To lead and support HR activities within a fast-paced unionized manufacturing environment, ensuring effective employee relations, compliance, and continuous improvement in HR practices. This is a hands‑on role requiring proactive engagement with employees at all levels, driving initiatives that enhance workforce performance, engagement, and HR functional excellence. To excel in this role, you will need the ability to encourage and motivate people, build strong relationships cross‑functionally and have exceptional communication skills.

What you can look forward to as HR Lead:

• Ensure service delivery of fundamental HR processes – inc. absence management, recruitment, onboarding, maintain accurate HR records
• Act as the primary HR contact for employees, including union representatives
• Supervise HR Apprentice and Training Officer by providing guidance, feedback, and support to develop their skills and knowledge
• Lead HR‑related continuous improvement initiatives
• Coach line managers on effective people management practices
• Manage grievance and disciplinary procedures in line with company policy and union agreements
• Use internal systems to provide accurate people data with appropriate analysis and recommendations to internal stakeholders
• Collaborate with operational teams to improve employee engagement and retention
• Promote employee wellbeing programs and mental health awareness
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and collective agreements.
• Support payroll and timekeeping processes in collaboration with Finance and Operations

Your profile as HR Lead:

• Proven experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• A strong understanding of HR processes, procedures, employment law and best practices
• Hands‑on approach with the ability to work on the shop floor and build trust
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Experience with HR systems and data analysis
• Familiarity with payroll and timekeeping systems desirable
• Commitment to continuous improvement, attention to detail and organizational skills desirable
• Resilience and adaptability, problem‑solving and decision‑making as well as influencing and stakeholder management desirable

Why you should choose ZF in Darlaston:

• Compensation up to 55k per year
• Hours of work will normally be 37 per week, following the standard pattern.
  • Monday – Thursday: 8.00am – 4.30pm (lunch break 12.30pm – 13.00pm)
  • Friday: 8.00pm – 1.00pm (no lunch break – work straight through)
• Pension (up to 6% contribution from company with 3% contribution from employee)
• 2x Life Assurance cover
• Health Cashplan

Be part of our ZF team as HR Lead and apply now!

Contact

[phone]

What does DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) mean for ZF as a company?

At ZF, we continuously strive to build and maintain a culture where inclusiveness is lived and diversity is valued. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that all our employees can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this vision in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape the future of mobility.